SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) is warning the public about a new wave of scams exploiting the name of its chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. These include deep fake videos circulating on social media such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram that digitally alter Ang’s likeness and voice to trick viewers into clicking links and transferring money through electronic cash channels.
SMC said the cases have already been reported to the different platforms and authorities, but are still awaiting action.
“I do not promote investments through social media or random emails, and I have never made any video inviting people to invest or promising money-back guarantees. These scams put people at risk, and we don’t want anyone to lose their hard-earned money,” Ang said.
Ang’s only verified account is his official Facebook page, used only for public posts and updates. He has no personal accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, or other platforms.
Meanwhile, SMC itself has also been the subject of email scams. A new scheme involves messages inviting recipients to join a supposed “vending procurement program.” The company said no such program exists and warned against emails sent from domains such as “smc@gmail.com,” “vendordepartment,” or “sanmiguelcooperation.com.”
SMC stressed it conducts business only with accredited suppliers through its Corporate Procurement Group (smc_cpgsupport@sanmiguel.com.ph), which never requires payments for accreditation or participation in biddings. For security, the email address only receives inquiries, and feedback requests must include a phone number.
Job-seekers are also being victimized through a recruitment scam, where fake web pages and email addresses are used to trick people into thinking they are applying to an SMC subsidiary. They are then asked for payment for medical check-ups or for fake requirements.
SMC emphasized that the company and its businesses will never require any form of payment from job applicants, or ask them to shoulder any fees and costs.
The company urged the public to remain vigilant, block suspicious accounts, and report scams to the proper authorities. (Manny D. Balbin)
